Christian Education News 

 

I send prayers of gratitude to all

that has given of itself on this day.

The strong beans and the hardy grains,

the beautiful leafy green plants and sweet juicy fruits.

I thank the sun that warmed and vitalized them,

just as it does me,

and the earth that held and nourished them, as it does me

and the waters that bathed and refreshed them, as they do for me.

I thank the fire that transformed them,

just as I wish to be transformed by the fires of the Spirit.

I thank the hands that grew and prepared this food,

just as I thank all those that have touched me in so many ways. 

n      Sedonia Cahill

 

     It’s hard to believe that summer is here.  For some it is a long coveted, hoped for, yearned for experience of the universe, or at least a momentous break in the yearly cycle.  For others it seems like only yesterday the snow blower was going full force, Easter was last week, and time seems to be flying by.  Regardless, summer is the time when all of us follow the shift in our world’s rhythms.  

    It has been an incredible, and yes busy, year at First Congregational Church Geneva.  We have chosen to take on many important causes, to look out through Christ-like eyes and truly see some of the pain, struggle, injustice, needless sorrow of our world, and reached out to make a difference.  We have truly, intentionally tried to walk the walk, not just talk the talk, and we have seen what amazing things can happen when we proactively walk with God.  “I send out prayers of gratitude” for each of you and your ministries!  We have nurtured each other, supported each other, brainstormed and played together.  It is not just as the incredible individuals you all are, but by the combined force of community, a community grounded in Christ, that we have accomplished this.

     I have been blessed, through God’s grace and the nurture of this congregation, family and friends this year to have celebrated my ordination in April, and rejoice this month to commit myself to continue our journey together as your Assistant Pastor.   

     And the work continues.  The opportunities for ministry change for the summer.  Our garden plots are up and running, teaching our children, nourishing our bodies, and with many commitments to furnishing needed fresh vegetables to local food banks.  We continue with our regular food drives. Remember, summer for many families in need means a loss of school lunch programs and an even greater need of assistance.  We celebrate learning in the form of our Justice Movies series.  We continue to look for opportunities to take our faith out into the world, to touch others as God would have it happen. 

     And we continue to walk together, to rejoice in stories of vacations that seem always filled with fun and laughter, and yes, some frustration - of far flung families reunited, of the majesties and wonders of God’s earth appreciated. All of this helps transform our small community of the faithful into the strong witness of God that we continue to strive to be. 

      Looking forward, trusting in God’s grace and love,         Pastor Catherine                                

                                                                                                              Revised 6/11                                         

 

 What I love about the UCC is that it's about Jesus - not just Jesus who is on our side, but Jesus who calls us to walk by his side.    #5 from "16 Ways to Say I Love My Church"   ucc.org

   We are at our best when we gather to tell the stories of our Faith.  

  

Christian Education - 2011 

Books, books, and more books!

   I love to read all sorts of books.  No genre is off limits.  While I always hope to spend the summer reading in a hammock between two mature live oaks, that only happens in our guided meditations.  The reality is, like many of you, I squeese my reading in around the rest of a full life.

Titles on my list for this summer include:  The Lemon Tree - An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan (suggested by UCC pastors who worked recently in Palestine/Israel); Racing Across the Lines - Changing Race Relationships Through Friendships by Deborah L. Plummer (our FVA/CMA spring meeting focus.  I started it but didn't finish it before the meeting.  What I read and meeting the auther made it clear I need to finish this one!); The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (recommended by a number of friends. I love fictional stories based in true history. Often fun reads and they inspire me to learn more about the real situations!).    

 Sunday School and Sunday Youth Gathering, 

      Miss Claire works with our children, 1st through 6th grade.  She has some wonderful Cooking Through the Bible experiences in the works for our grade schoolers this summer, as well as some great kinetic and art orientated lessons. The Sunday Youth Gathering - SYG will gather for our lessons ands sessions, Bible teachings as they apply to life today, encouraging an understanding of the message and lessons of the Bible. 

   Communion Sundays: The continued participation of the SYG has been a blessing.  We serve our congregation and God, and model faithful behavior for the younger kids in an act of sacred participation.  Thank You.  

 May Christ's presence be with you!

   Pastor Catherine

       The Sunday Youth Gathering (SYG) is open to all youth from 7th grade through 12th grade.
                                                 Friends are always welcome!